SENECA COUNTY, Ohio — A mosquito pool collected from Seneca County has tested positive for West Nile virus.
According to the Seneca County General Health District, the mosquitoes were collected July 10 at the Clary-Boulee-McDonald Nature Preserve just outside of Bettsville.
The mosquitoes were sent to the Ohio Department of Health as part of the Mosquito Control Grant Program to test for potential disease. The Seneca County General Health District said the positive test result was provided to them Wednesday.
The health district said according to ODH, Ohio is trending just slightly above its 10-year average for West Nile virus. They also said it's normal to see the West Nile rate increase in mid to late July.
The general health district said there have been no human cases of West Nile virus in Seneca County or the state.
“We expected to find some mosquitoes with West Nile virus, as Ohio both historically and presently hosts the virus in wildlife,” Corbin Hite, vector control technician at Seneca County General Health District said. “It remains important to avoid mosquito bites to prevent possible contraction of the disease.”
The Seneca County General Health District said to avoid mosquito bites, wear 20-30% DEET insect repellant, long and loose-fitting clothing and try to avoid being outside during peak biting times from dusk until dawn. Symptoms of the virus include fever, fatigue, headache and neck stiffness.